The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technical Sergeant James A. Rutledge (ASN: 20838321), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 19 February 1944. Occupying a defensive position near Campo di Carne, Italy, Technical Sergeant Rutledge’s platoon was attacked by bombers, tanks, and heavy artillery, while devastating bands of machine gun fire prevented observation. Technical Sergeant Rutledge crawled 200 yards forward to an Observation Post where he could spot enemy tank positions, and then crawled back to his platoon to direct neutralizing fire. When his aid man was hit, Technical Sergeant Rutledge took his pouches and crawled from foxhole to foxhole administering first aid, all while continuous shelling added new casualties and evacuated several wounded men. Technical Sergeant Rutledge’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.